tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Nov 30, 2009 1:11:18 GMT -5
:help: I'm going to look at a used slab saw tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone was familiar with the brand Lewaco. The saw is an 18" used saw and I'm wondering what it might be worth can I get parts for it or if I'll have to by parts from general suppliers (I'm no stranger to working on machines.)
As some of you might remember I started on this forum just tumbling stones and now with all I've seen from all the stuff people have posted I've ventured into cabbing and I'm looking into cutting my own slabs.
Any help you can give on the manufacture, the value, what to look for, or anything at all please feel free to send some advice my way.
Thanks Tom Closs
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 30, 2009 8:35:24 GMT -5
This one flint.craigslist.org/for/1483666423.html ? ;D That one's a decent price. Insist on running it first, if not cut the price 1/3 Motor voltage 120 or 220?. Most obvious things to look for are wear in the blade arbor, intermediate shaft bearings, vise guide rails, motor bearings. Look for irregular wear marks on pulleys and belt sides. The blade should run true and be free of any nicks / missing areas of diamond or it will hammer the rock till it self-destructs. Rust and leaks are next on the list. Make sure it sets level (otherwise the frame maybe tweaked ) Is it original or has it been rebuilt before (if done properly it's a good thing...if not it could be trouble). If you can get it cheaper, just buy it and fix it up. Good luck and let us know how it works out, Dr Joe .
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Nov 30, 2009 11:25:55 GMT -5
LOL Thats the one I'm looking at.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 30, 2009 18:10:42 GMT -5
I kinda thought so ;D
How's the weather? I'm from Mt. Clemens originally.
Dr Joe
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Nov 30, 2009 22:11:06 GMT -5
The weather is cold. But is on par for this time of year. Just got back from looking at the saw and I had to turn it down. Just needed to much work in my opinion. Maybe I'm just being picky. I did buy some slabs and rough from him though/ So it wasn't a total wasted trip.
BTW I'm in St. Clair which as you might remember is closer to Mt. Clemens.
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 30, 2009 23:56:23 GMT -5
i thought the pic looked a little rough for the price. think he would take $800
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 1, 2009 0:15:53 GMT -5
cracked hood, needs cleaned up, offer him $350
Tony
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Dec 1, 2009 7:36:36 GMT -5
Sorry the saw didn't work out...have you considered making your own? Several members have made different kinds, last one was a drop saw.
Corner of the spillway and Jefferson, a bunch of condos there now.
Dr Joe
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Dec 1, 2009 8:00:32 GMT -5
He wasn't going to budge on price. He has a dealer from Ohio who wants to buy everything for the prices he has set. I just contacted him first so he gave me the first crack at it. I'd have bought it for $350.
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 1, 2009 10:27:50 GMT -5
Hey Tom, If you want to build your own, I have the carriage and arbor set up if you need it. You can build your own tank and supply your own motor. Just another option for ya.
Have a great day...................Tony
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Dec 1, 2009 22:44:21 GMT -5
Tony, I might be intrested. I'll PM you for more details.
Thanks Tom
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number21
having dreams about rocks
Member since November 2009
Posts: 72
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Post by number21 on Dec 2, 2009 12:45:48 GMT -5
If you are interested I am going to start building one this weekend. Will post picks of the progress if your interested.
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Dec 2, 2009 22:15:20 GMT -5
Sure I'm intrested. Its always nice to see what others are doing. And I'm sure it will give me ideas I might not already have.
Thanks Tom
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rockhound97058
freely admits to licking rocks
Thundereggs - Oregons Official State Rock!
Member since January 2006
Posts: 760
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Post by rockhound97058 on Dec 2, 2009 22:46:56 GMT -5
Hey Tom - I think you made the right choice! The saw was a bit over priced in my opinion. I just made an offer yesterday on 3 saws a 16", 12" and a 7" trim saw... I offered $200.00 as they are really rough looking, one is basically a parts saw... The saw is made of plywood and uses canvas as a "hood" to control oil vapor lol.... I have seen this before as a good buddy of mine has one like it.
I recently purchased a 18" Frantom and many other pieces of equipment and paid $1000.00 for everything. That was a damn good deal! You can say I smell like a rose hehe.
Building your own equipment is nothing at all.... I'm in the process of building a 24" flat lap for a good friend of mine... Right now I have maybe $400.00 in to it with everything. Steel, Motor, Pulleys, Belts machine work etc...
If you can score the items from Tony - You can pick up 1/8" plate for fairly cheap.
Good luck!
Jason
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